Hotels in Bocas del Toro

Between emerald islands and turquoise waters, this archipelago paradise invites exploration by water taxi. Spot sloths hanging in trees near Paunch Beach or snorkel among rainbow-colored fish at Starfish Beach, where the namesake creatures pose obligingly on the sandy bottom. The main town buzzes with Caribbean energy – wooden buildings on stilts house dive shops and seafood restaurants serving catch-of-the-day with plantains. Kayak through mangrove tunnels where the jungle meets the sea, or surf the consistent breaks at Bluff Beach. Tortuga Beach offers postcard perfection without the crowds, while local water taxis function as both transportation and impromptu wildlife tours. Bring cash – ATMs are temperamental and credit cards often meet with apologetic shrugs.